At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a kitchen team, creating fresh, seasonal dishes for office staff.
- Company: Wilson Vale is a quality-led contract caterer focused on exceptional food and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy work-life balance, free training, and your birthday off after one year!
- Why this job: Join a fun, creative environment where your culinary skills can shine and grow.
- Qualifications: Passion for food, strong communication skills, and a positive attitude are essential.
- Other info: We value inclusivity and support your career development in a nurturing atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 Β£ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to become our new Chef Manager at one of our workplace restaurants in Stockton on Tees, TS22. This is a permanent position working 40 hours per week, Monday - Friday, 7am - 3:30pm.
Do you love creating stunning restaurant food and are looking for work hours that give you a work-life balance like no other sector in the hospitality industry? Wilson Vale is an established, quality-led contract caterer. We work with amazing clients across the UK who place huge value on great food as a key part of their culture and community. We work in office restaurants, independent schools and at conference venues with the same high-end ethos throughout. Our culture unites us. We stand for craft, quality, creative freedom, forward thinking and integrity. We never compromise on our commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and the fantastic people that make it all happen!
We are looking for a bright personality to work in the hub of an office serving up on trend, fresh, seasonal foods served bistro style for breakfast & lunch to office staff. Preferably with management experience but not essential, you will be working in a team of two managing the catering operation while producing dishes from scratch to a high standard.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:- Be responsible for the daily operation of the kitchen and the preparation and cooking of all food production.
- Cater to the needs of all customers.
- Be responsible, dedicated and a strong leader with the ability to assist and manage a team.
- Deliver consistent food standards following the Wilson Vale brand standards.
- Deliver fresh, seasonal and innovative food from around the world to all customers.
- Responsible for food safety, hygiene and Health and Safety both in practice and keeping relevant records.
- Allergy reporting and responsibility for sign-posting to customers.
- Budgeting, ordering, stock taking.
- Training.
- LOVE food, and love working in a team.
- Positive attitude.
- Have good customer service skills and strong communication skills.
- Be able to work in a high-pressured environment.
- Strong premium hospitality experience in another venue.
- Local knowledge and experience working in the area.
- A passion for exceptional service is essential.
- Strong understanding of service styles, food trends.
- Innovation and creativity.
- A passion for training and development.
- Exceptional presentation skills.
- Articulate and very well organised.
- Proactive and reliable.
- Craft at our core β we pride ourselves on our craft-skilled chefs who create wonderful fresh food from scratch.
- Itβs all about the food β the menu is the most important document our chefs write every week.
- Quality, seasonal ingredients β 300+ British suppliers and our chefs can source locally.
- Freedom to create β our teams love to cook up exciting food themes and pop-ups to keep the food fun.
- Support like no other β our business was founded by family and we have stayed true to those same family values of nurturing development, protecting our values and building trust and loyalty.
- Making food that not only tastes great but is good for the planet.
- We have always had a strong environmental ethos and are dedicated to our social and environmental commitments.
- We believe in tailored training and opportunities to build your career with us.
- Our working hours are some of the best you'll find in catering - we are strong believers in work-life balance.
- Our working environment is fun and inspiring, with excellent career development opportunities.
- Craft Works β Free craft-focused career development training programme.
- Paid training bespoke to you.
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme - your wellbeing is very important to us.
- Online employee benefits scheme - monetary savings on everyday items!
- Your Birthday off every year after 1 yearsβ service.
Wilson Vale is an equal opportunities employer that strives to create an inclusive working environment for all. We are committed to supporting our people and do not tolerate discrimination of any kind. From each and every person in our catering teams, to our operations and central support teams β everyone has a voice.
Chef Manager employer: Wilson Vale
Contact Detail:
Wilson Vale Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Chef Manager
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Wilson Vale's ethos and values. Understanding their commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and quality service will help you align your approach during interviews and discussions.
β¨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity in the kitchen by preparing a few signature dishes that reflect current food trends. This will demonstrate your passion for innovative cooking and your ability to cater to diverse tastes.
β¨Tip Number 3
Network with local suppliers and other chefs in the Stockton on Tees area. Having local knowledge and connections can give you an edge and show your commitment to sourcing quality ingredients.
β¨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you manage a team in high-pressure environments. Highlighting your experience in training and developing staff will resonate well with Wilson Vale's focus on nurturing talent.
We think you need these skills to ace Chef Manager
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in the culinary field, especially any management roles or positions where you created dishes from scratch. Emphasise your passion for food and customer service.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the Chef Manager position at Wilson Vale. Mention specific aspects of their culture and values that resonate with you, such as their commitment to fresh, seasonal produce and innovative food.
Showcase Your Skills: Highlight your skills in food safety, hygiene, and team management. Provide examples of how you've successfully led a team or improved food standards in previous roles, demonstrating your ability to cater to customer needs.
Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with Wilson Vale's ethos and their approach to catering. Understanding their focus on craft, quality, and sustainability will help you align your application with their values and show that you're a good fit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wilson Vale
β¨Show Your Passion for Food
Make sure to express your love for food and cooking during the interview. Share specific examples of dishes you've created or culinary experiences that have shaped your passion. This will resonate well with the company's focus on quality and creativity.
β¨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Even if you don't have extensive management experience, highlight any instances where you've taken the lead in a kitchen or team setting. Discuss how you motivate others and ensure high standards, as this role requires strong leadership qualities.
β¨Understand Their Culture
Familiarise yourself with Wilson Vale's values and culture before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding craft, quality, and sustainability. This shows that you're not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their team.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations in a busy kitchen environment. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed stress, dealt with customer feedback, or ensured food safety. This will demonstrate your ability to thrive under pressure.